Triathlon: Linney leaves rivals in her wake to win in Tonbridge

MORE than 450 athletes took part in the Tonbridge Triathlon on May Bank Holiday. The event raised more than £15,000 for local charities like the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.

Top triathletes in the region competed over two distances, the Standard (800m swim, 50km cycle, 10km run) – two laps of the course – and a Sprint version (400m swim, 25km cycle, 5km run).

The event, now in its 26th year, is organised by Tonbridge Lions Club. The swimming takes place in the award-winning indoor pool at Tonbridge School, while the run is within the school’s sports ground, culminating on the running track.

In the middle, the cycle element covers a swathe of scenic Kent countryside. It goes up Starvecrow Hill to Shipbourne and on to Ivyhatch, along Stone Street to Seal, past Godden Green to Underriver, through Hildenborough back to Tonbridge.

The male winner over the Standard distance male winner was Gunther Zechmann from London, who completed the course in 2hr 31min 50sec.

The winning male in the Sprint, Rob Parry, took 1hr 10min 47sec and the victorious woman, Lizzy Brama, went round the course in 1hr 23min 19sec. Both athletes were from Crystal Palace Triathletes.

OLD FATHER TIME John Brown was the oldest participant aged 80

Paul Davidson, Chairman of the Tri-committee, said: “Tonbridge Lions Club would like to thank all the competitors, their friends and family who supported them and gave the event such a friendly atmosphere.

“Also a big thank you to all the volunteers – including friends of Lions, the ATC and Police Cadets who helped us run the event and raise over £15,000 for local charities and good causes.”

“In addition, we like to thank Tonbridge School and Warners Solicitors for their continued support as without them we would not be able to run the event. Also we would like to thank Sainsbury’s for their support.”